The Daily Sundial podcasts: Recent Episodes
The Daily Sundial
The Sundial is the student newspaper for California State University Northridge, available on campus, and in the app.
Faculty members from 23 CSU campuses went on strike Jan. 22, 2024. Despite the weather, Matadors and other members of the community showed their support alongside CFA. Photo: Abel GutierrezAudio Editor: Giselle Lomeli
On September 28, the Republic of Artsakh’s President Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree that agreed to dismantle all government institutions by Jan. 1, 2024. This comes after an assault on Nagorno Karabakh that displaced over 100,000 people. On this episode CSUN’s Armenian Studies Program Director Dr. Vahram Shemmassian explains the historical significance of Nagorno Karabakh to Armenians, and how recent events will go down in history.
Hello Matadors! This is Episode 2 of The Daily Sundial: News of the Week. In this episode we'll be talking about multiple programs offered at CSUN, a new museum exhibit that opened in Los Angeles, fashion, sports and more.Photo by Edward SegalMusic by massobeats - taro swirl https://on.soundcloud.com/ZEHAE
From upsetting nationally ranked teams on the road to dominant performances from standout players, CSUN’s athletics has given host Ryan Romero and Gabriel Duarte much to breakdown in the first episode of the Valley Boys sports podcast.
Hello Matadors! This is Episode 1 of The Daily Sundial: News of the Week. In this episode we'll be talking about the CSU tuition increase, the CSUEU strike, Matador sports, clubs, healthy Latino food you can prepare for the week and more.Photo by Trisha Anas
As humans, we tend to judge people. We make assumptions of who people are before they even talk. Beneath the Surface is a podcast that highlights CSUN students and who they are as people.
In the second episode, Tarik “Nishwakie” Lord, a Saint Lucian musician, discusses how his mother let him DJ as a child and how his fellow peers inspired him to begin making music. He also explains why he feels parents need to be supportive of their children when it comes to chasing and fulfilling their dreams.
As humans, we tend to judge people. We make assumptions of who people are before they even talk. Beneath the Surface is a podcast that highlights CSUN students and who they are as people.
In the debut episode, Codi Yost discusses his time in MataHacks and how he plans on starting an open mic night for students who want to perform.
A crowd of CSUN students gathered on the University Lawn for AS Productions’ annual Big Show on March 12, 2022, four years after the concert was last held in person.
Headlined by Blxst, the Los Angeles rapper and singer performed hits from his 2020 debut EP “No Love Lost,” as well as songs from past projects.
Three CSUN students had the opportunity to perform their own 45-minute sets on the Big Show stage before Blxst made his entrance.
Opening up the event was student DJ Christian Mojica, otherwise known as MAC. The DJ duo of Andrew Cantu and Daniel Hurtado, also known as Can2 and LOST VI$UAL, followed and continued to hype up the crowd leading up to Blxst’s performance.
Despite Big Show not having as big of a turnout and or headliner this year, its in-person return may be a promising sign of what the AS Productions team will later be able to offer to students in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global Talks is a podcast series that talks to international students and discusses their adjustment to the United States’ educational system.
In episode two, Kamryn Martell talks with Yong Jian Ooi, a music performance student who moved to the U.S. from Malaysia in August 2018. Ooi discusses Malaysia's collectivist culture and the adjustments he has made when dealing with people in the U.S.
Hosted by Kamryn Martell Produced by PJ Shahamat Music by www.purple-planet.com/
Global Talks is a podcast series that talks to international students and discusses their adjustment to the United States educational system.
In this episode, Kamryn Martell speaks with Gabbie Puzon, a CSUN graduate student that moved from the Philippines in August 2016. Puzon discusses the power dynamics of the student/teacher relationship and the differences in community culture.
Hosted by Kamryn Martell Produced by PJ Shahamat Music by https://www.purple-planet.com/
CSUN will be home to the Global Hispanic Serving Institution Innovation Hub, which is funded by funds from Apple and the state. The project’s goal is to boost internship and onsite recruitment opportunities for Latinx and other underrepresented science, technology, engineering and math students. CSUN President Erika D. Beck shares more on the project, such as the hub’s completion date and everything it will offer students.
Music by https://www.purple-planet.com/ Photo courtesy of CSUN
Julia Kozlov is a Valley College transfer student, a mother of two children and the owner of Let's Celebrate Entertainment. In this episode of “Going Back to College with Hengame Abassi,” Hengame talks to Kozlov about what it’s like balancing motherhood, school, and entrepreneurship in a pandemic.
Arian Khoroshi does it all: he paints, plays music and acts. Khoroshi initially studied bioengineering in Iran. However, he decided to switch to the arts when he came to the U.S. In this episode of “Going Back to College with Hengame Abassi," Hengame talks to Khoroshi about his transition from the sciences to the arts.
O'Neil Carter, lead singer of Carter Ace, sat down with the Daily Sundial to discuss how being a black male in the music industry has affected the way he has gone about his life. This is the first episode of our new podcast, Everything but the Arts, with host Culture desk editor Michaella Huck.
Helen Rezvan came to the United States with the dream to become a White House photographer. Rezvan has been a photographer since 2010 and moved to the United States in 2014. In this episode of “Going Back to College with Hengame Abassi,’’ Hengame talks to Rezvan talks the reason she’s going back to school and what drives her passion for photography.
On Feb. 8, California State University Chancellor Joseph I. Castro held a virtual news conference where he discussed many issues such as police funding, the CSU budget, and whether or not COVID-19 vaccination will be mandatory for students to attend in the fall. Julia Terbeche, a Daily 49er news editor who attended the conference, talks about what the CSUs can expect in the near future.
In this season’s fifth and final episode of “Going Back to College with Hengame Abassi,’’ Hengame talks to Persian Jafari, a 52-year-old retired journalist originally from Iran.
Jafari started her work as an international journalist in 1993 and had the opportunity to work with all major networks through Worldwide Television News, now known as Associated Press Television News. The highlight of her career was covering the United Nations’ special session in 2000, “Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development, and Peace for the 21st Century,” in which most world leaders were present and committed to addressing women’s rights issues in the new millennium.
Jafari has gone back to college, including James Madison University near Washington, D.C., multiple times. She says everytime she goes back she realizes there is still so much more she could learn. For that reason, she has changed her major several times: from biology, to journalism and business. She intends to use the business knowledge she gains from CSUN to manage her nonprofit organization, which has a solution journalism approach.
In the fourth episode of “Going Back to College with Hengame Abassi,’’ Hengame talks to Nico Grierson, a 46-year old musician in the music education program at CSUN, who is also a French-English interpreter and yoga teacher.
It has taken Grierson a long time to pursue her degree in music.
Even though she played music as a child, Grierson did not know what she wanted to do when she was in high school and felt out of place.
Grierson’s parents are Canadians, so she always identified more with her Canuck side and was friends with international students, so she spent a year in a foreign exchange program in France.
When she returned to the U.S., Grierson experienced reverse culture shock and wanted to go back to Europe, so she dropped out of CSUN before the start of her sophomore year in 1993.
Grierson was worried about coming back to CSUN. She initially felt maybe they would not take her back but soon found the university to be a safe place for her to be reintegrated into academic life and to explore her talents.
She credits the professors with her academic success because of how accommodating they have been. Grierson was having problems with organization and the steep learning curve of going back to college later in life, so her professors suggested she visited the Disability Resources and Educational Center where she got tested and discovered she was on the Autism spectrum. She has received help from the center even since.
Grierson plans to apply for a master’s degree in library and information science at UCLA so she can become a music librarian.
Hengame Abassi is going back to college. She is a non-traditional student: a student at the end of her 60s. Originally from Iran, Abassi was a nurse and reporter who had to flee political persecution while pregnant and lived in Germany for over 20 years before immigrating to the United States. She has hosted Iranian TV and radio shows in the U.S. and is currently a senior at CSUN, double majoring in linguistics and journalism. In “Going Back to College,” Hengame talks to other non-traditional students like herself.
In the third episode of “Going Back to College with Hengame Abassi,’’ Hengame talks to Fariba Novin, an extremely resourceful and resilient 56-year-old Iranian American in the interior design program at CSUN.
Novin immigrated to several countries before the U.S. and speaks multiple languages.
Her immigrant story begins at 14, when her father — afraid of the upcoming 1979 Iranian Revolution — sent her to live with her sister in England. Novin’s sister moved to the U.S. six months later and Novin had to be by herself. She finished her General Certificate of Education Ordinary Levels (comparable to high school diploma) and moved to Germany before she turned 18.
There, she enrolled in a vocational program where she immersed herself in the culture and could speak German after six months. Novin later returned home to Iran for 20 years before moving to the United States in 2007.
Novin says immigration has played an important role in her academic life. It has allowed her the opportunity to start fresh and go after career dreams she put aside earlier in life and that her culture would not allow a woman at her age to pursue.
At 46, she enrolled at a local community college. The initial reason she went to college was to learn about the community. According to Novin, going to college is the best way to learn the language and culture of the place you live in. At first she felt the younger students looked down on her but by the end of the semester they were best friends.
She enjoyed the college experience so much she decided to transfer to CSUN to pursue her dream of becoming an architect. After she completes her undergraduate program, Novin hopes to enroll in an architecture graduate program.
In the second episode of “Going Back to College with Hengame Abassi,’’ Hengame talks to James Hutton, a multi-talented 65-year-old veteran currently in the screenwriting undergraduate program at CSUN.
Hutton joined the workforce right after high school, worked many jobs — including aircraft mechanic for the military — and raised his son after his divorce.
Ten years ago, he took an Spanish class at a local community college and really enjoyed being back at school. Hutton, who is also a musician, decided to take up filmmaking after observing the making of one of his music videos.
Hutton and his son, who goes to Cal State LA, are set to graduate together next spring.
Hengame Abassi is going back to college. She is non-traditional student: a student at the end of her 60s. Originally from Iran, Abassi was a nurse and reporter who had to flee political persecution while pregnant and lived in Germany for over 20 years before immigrating to the United States. She has hosted Iranian TV and radio shows in the U.S. and is currently a senior at CSUN, double majoring in linguistics and journalism. In “Going Back to College,” Hengame talks to other non-traditional students like herself.
In the first episode of “Going Back to College with Hengame Abassi,’’ Hengame talked to fellow Iranian American and classically-trained musician and multi-instrumentalist, Edris Foroughi.
Foroughi is currently a graduate student in the vocal arts program at CSUN’s music department and is the president of CSUN Iranian Student Association.
Foroughi, 35, went back to college because he did not pursue his passion for his first bachelor’s degree. He got a degree in accounting in Iran, as he thought a career in music would not be accepted in his home country.
Even after immigrating to the United States in 2014 and deciding to follow his musical dreams, Foroughi hesitated at first and enrolled in the computer engineering program, but dropped three weeks later.
On the second episode of Dialed In, Andres Soto sits down with Amanda Delgado, a sophomore all-conference goalkeeper at CSUN. They discuss Delgado's favorite TV show, bouncing back from two torn ACLs while in high school and the mental toll it takes on an athlete, and whether or not she felt snubbed for first team All-Big West.
On the first episode of Dialed In, Andres Soto interviews Mark Thomas, a recruiter for Elite Raw Talent. They discuss the state of recruiting in the wake of national signing day, advice on athletes who want to be recruited, and more.
Kobe Bryant's sudden death from a helicopter crash that killed eight other people, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, on Sunday shook Los Angeles to its core and brought the world to a standstill. Almost one week later, fans have come together outside the Staples Center to mourn the loss of an icon.
Audio by Andres Soto, assistant sports editor for the Sundial
Thumbnail image by Alyssa Durant
This week, CSUN communications professor Joel Lemuel talks about how flexible scheduling and adequate advising can help students with the graduation process.
Why did it take Bryan Zamora seven years to get a bachelor's degree? Tune in for an extra-length episode about one man's journey from the hospital to the graduation stage.
Also: be sure to check out bethematch.org after this and participate now!
Ivan Salinas, the Sundial's Arts & Entertainment editor, fills in for Madison Parsley this week and updates us on what’s happening in The Sundial’s issue on the Latinx community.
Produced by PJ Shahamat
How did a midwestern girl that hated sororities end up at CSUN... IN a sorority? Find out now on Sunspotting.
PJ Shahamat, the Sundial's Audio Editor, fills in for Madison Parsley this week and updates us on what’s happening in The Sundial’s issue on dating.
Produced by PJ Shahamat
Ivey Mellem, the Sundial's Chief Copy Editor, fills in for Madison Parsley this week and updates us on what’s happening in The Sundial’s issue on wildfires.
Produced by PJ Shahamat
How does one go from being homeless... to being a respected scientist? This is Richard Rachman’s story. For more info on Rachman, or on entering the field of science, you can follow him on Instagram @a_wandering_ecologist.
Joanne Scillitoe talks about how helping students find relevant activities on campus can help bridge the gap between students and extracurriculars.
Madison Parsley, The Sundial’s Editor-in-Chief, updates us on what’s happening in The Sundial’s Mental Health issue.
Produced by PJ Shahamat
Sundial reporter, Gillian Moran-Perez, comes in to talk about her article regarding a new bill being discussed that would require clergy members to report certain crimes such as sexual abuse and child neglect.
What happened to Kristin Bodt during finals in her last semester at CSUN? Find out this week on Sunspotting, the podcast that tells the personal stories of the people you see every day at CSUN.
David Blumenkrantz touches on territorialism in departments and discusses why a more diverse enrollment structure can make for more well-rounded students.
Madison Parsley, The Sundial's Editor-in-Chief updates us on what's happening in The Sundial's Christianity issue.
Produced by PJ Shahamat
The Sundials photo editor, Logan Bik, comes in to talk about his photo-essay where he followed the ranchers and firefighters that battled fires the morning after the Saddleridge fire broke out.
This week PJ talks to Gillian Moran-Perez about her article on the environmental organization, Pacoima beautiful.
This week PJ interviewed retired CSUN Business professor Richard Gunther and talks about why he thinks a more streamlined graduation process could help benefit students.
Gillian Moran-Perez, the Sundials News Editor, fills in for Madison Parsley this week and updates us on what’s happening in The Sundial’s issue on Immigrants.
How did David Grewe go from newsroom to newsroom across the country... to being a journalism professor at CSUN?
Join us this week for our most emotional Sunspotting episode yet, and check out any other episodes if you haven’t yet!
This week PJ talks to Andres Soto about his article on the new California bill that allows student-athletes to benefit from their likeness.
Produced by PJ Shahamat
This week PJ interviewed CSUN CTVA professor Dr. Michael Johnson and talks about how class sizes influence a teacher’s ability to teach and how it can affect a student’s education.
Elaine Sanders, the Graphics Designer and Video Editor, fills in for Madison Parsley this week and updates us on what’s happening in The Sundial’s issue on Sustainability.
Hosted by Elaine Sanders Produced by PJ Shahamat
How did Clayton Scott go from a conservative upbringing to being a local leader in sustainability?
Find out this week on Sunspotting, the podcast where we discuss the personal stories, lives, and hobbies of the people you see every day at CSUN.
This week PJ talks to Logan Bik about his photo essay following the North Hills mosque that feeds over 300 homeless people a week.
Produced by PJ Shahamat
This week PJ interviewed CSUN Psychology professor Dr. Maggie Shiffrar and discusses how graduate school preparation can benefit students in their careers.
Produced by PJ Shahamat
Andres Soto, the Assistant Sports Editor, fills in for Madison Parsley this week and updates us on what’s happening in The Sundial’s issue on athletics.
Hosted by Andres Soto Produced by PJ Shahamat
How did Josh Epple go from being a sociology major who wanted to help families with substance abuse issues... to working at a major record label with bands like Sum 41 and Taking Back Sunday?
Join Jed Bookout as he discovers how social work and music promotion maybe aren’t so different... and also how sometimes lying, maybe, can be a good thing.
This week PJ talks to Elaine Sanders about her article on the climate strike and talks about the characters she saw at the event.
Produced by PJ Shahamat
Madison Parsley, The Sundial’s Editor-in-Chief, updates us on what’s happening in The Sundial’s issue on Education.
Hosted by Madison Parsley Produced by PJ Shahamat
This week PJ interviewed CSUN social work professor Dr. Alejandra Acuña and discusses how stronger faculty-student relationships can encourage students to reach out for assistance.
CSUN PoliSci major Alejandro Aguilar discusses his double life as a successful ska punk guitarist in the band Captain Smooth Talk.
Join Jed Bookout as he navigates the personal stories of all the interesting individuals you don't know from CSUN.
Madison Parsley, The Sundial’s Editor-in-Chief, updates us on what’s happening in The Sundial’s issue on Gun Violence.
This week PJ interviewed CSUN American history professor Dr. Thomas Devine and explains why cheaper parking actually keeps students in school.
Produced by PJ Shahamat
David Blumenkrantz goes in-depth as to how the homelessness situation impacts Angelenos, and how the stereotypes are even more hurtful to the homelessness population than we think.
Hosted by Deja Magee Produced by PJ Shahamat
This week PJ talks to Kimberly Silverio-Bautista about her article on street vendors operating without a permit and the reasons why they don't get a permit.
Madison Parsley, The Sundial's Editor-in-Chief updates us on what's happening in The Sundial's issue on Homelessness.
This week, Sally Turner gives her opinion on CSUN's public transport and how she thinks the school can improve transportation for all students and staff.
Produced and Hosted by PJ Shahamat
Madison Parsley, The Sundial's Editor-in-Chief updates us on what's happening in The Sundial's issue on the San Fernando Valley.
Madison Parsley, The Sundial's Editor-in-Chief updates us on what's happening in The Sundial's Activism issue.